Adrian Flanagan, 46, currently attempting to become the first yachtsman to sail solo round the world via the Arctic regions, will be hauling his 38ft Barrabas out of the water in Nome, Alaska to make emergency repairs to his propeller shaft and to replace his wind instruments. Adrian first realised that the aft cutless bearing holding his propeller shaft firm had gone two weeks ago. As this effectively prevents the use of his engine, he feared his attempt at transiting the Arctic this summer would have to be postponed until next year. ‘The Arctic phase cannot be countenanced without the engine,’ Adrian remarked. ‘Conditions are often windless and in the pack it is best to assume the ice is concrete – so a degree of tight manoeuvering is necessary to avoid scrapes and collisions, which would be impossible to achieve under sail’.
However Adrian’s prospect of sailing the Northern Sea Route is being kept alive by the prospect of a quick pit stop in Nome, around 700 miles away. For full expedition details go to http://www.alphaglobalex.com